Pollou'-upby Dick BurrowsMore on tool reviews -We have been regularly publishing articlesevaluating hand and power tools, like the review on scrollsaws in this issue (see pp. 50-54). Judging from the telephonecalls and mail we receive, most readers enjoy the reviews andwant more. But, these articles are difficult to produce, requiringa great deal of research. They also provoke a good bit of controversyamong readers and manufacturers.Manufacturers often are concerned that the tools do not showup as well in our tests as they do in their factory tests. The factorytests are often more scientific than our reviews, but we feelobligated to test the tools in actual workshops under typical jobsituations, rather than in laboratories under ideal conditions. Wesee more value in determining how many holes a cordless drillcan bore on a single charge than hooking it up to an instrumentto get a digital readout of its torque or RPM. After all, our readersare primarily woodworkers and must decide how the tool willoperate in their shop situation.This need for real-shop situations is one reason why the authorswe recruit to test tools are people who have worked withthe particular tool for years. This work experience is essentialto separate the gimmicks from the real innovations. It is alsoinvaluable when evaluating such things as balance, power, easeof operation, performance versus price, and the other somewhatsubjective factors that determine whether or not a tool can getthe job done accurately, effiCiently and safely.In addition to actual testing, we often talk with manufacturingrepresentatives and engineers to clear up problems with thetools, have them answer technical questions and obtain theirviews on what they see as their tools' strong points. We also welcomeletters from readers about their experiences with thetools, and we will try to present as many letters as possible inthe "Follow-up" or "Letters" columns.Skil's cordless drill-The Skil Corporation is disappointed withour review of their cordless drill in the September issue (FWW#72). They say they don't feel the review is accurate or objective.First of all, Skil disagrees with some of the general statementson the drills. The company says we are describing old-stylenickle-cadmium batteries when we state that the batteries have amemory and you should let the battery drain completely beforecharging. Our research indicates that if you charge a partiallydrained battery often, you can reduce the battery's capacity. Skilsays we are wrong."The batteries we have been putting into our tools for the lastfew years have virtually no measureable memory," Skil says. "Theeffect is still dlere, but it requires some velY accurate laboratOlYinsu-uments and a complex test procedure in order to measure ....At least in the case of our supplier, which also supplies batteries tosome of our competitors, dle memOlY effect phenomenon nolonger exists." Skil also maintains dlat draining a battery beforerecharging could damage dle battery under some conditions, so besure to read the owner's manual for your particular tool.Skil's letter also offered some good advice on the care of batteries.They say dlat generally you should avoid excessively high orlow temperatures when charging batteries. Also, avoid prolongedexposure to high temperatures: A car u-unk or a metal storage shedwould be a particularly bad place to store a ni-cad battery. In anodlertemperature-related problem, Skil disputed our claim thatwe had killed one of their batteries by recharging it before itcooled down. They say the battery would have been okay ifcharged after it cooled. But, that doesn't match our experience.Again, check your owner's manual for the specifics on your tool.Ryobi radial-saw and planer modifications- Ryobi AmericaCorp. has asked its dealers to stop sales of the RA-200 radial-armsaw until the company can change dle carriage center componentthat joins the motorlblade assembly to the saw arm. Undercertain conditions, the component could break, the companysays, which would affect accuracy and might even cause operatorinjUly. Anyone who owns one of these saws and has not beencontacted by a company representative should call their customerservicedepartment at the number listed below.Ryobi is also offering a free upgrade kit to owners of earlymodels of the AP-10 planer (bearing serial numbers lower thanand including #064155) and the Sears/Craftsman Portable lO-in.Thickness Planer, model #351.23372. The kits are designed toeliminate the space between the main body of the planer andthe rear feed-support roller. This upgrade will prevent an operator'sfingers from being caught between dle emerging board andthe rear feed-support roller, which could cause serious injUly.For more information on dle radial-arm saw or planer, contactRyobi America Corp., 1433 Hamilton Parkway, 1r. '1Sca, Illinois 60143;(800) 323-4615, eA'\:. 235 (in Illinois, 312-350-7999, ext 235).Inca 810 radial-ann saw-The Austrian-made Inca radial-armsaw, which we reviewed in FWW #73, will probably not be availablefor much longer in the United States. The manufacturer hasdecided it will no longer sell the machine outside of Austria,because of insurance considerations. Inca dealers will still sellthe models they have in stock and intend to continue to provideparts and service for the models already sold.Safety and photography-Safety is a prime concern wheneverwe describe or picture any woodworking operation. Woodworkingis, by nature, a dangerous activity, and caution is essential.Sometimes things can appear to be worse than dley actually are,but even these incidents are good reminders of what could happen.One recent case involved the cover of FWW #73, whichshowed a cut being made on a radial-arm saw.Doug Smith of Miami, Fla., wrote, "The photographer sure forgotthe tree-coming-out-of-the-person's-head lesson. It appearsas though a thumb is just about to be lost. A well-composed,beautiful cover picture, but that blade is sure to get that thumb."Actually, the thumb was a safe distance from the blade all duringthe operation, and the operator was velY conscious of theposition at all times. I have this on good authority, because I wasthe operator. On my own saw, I've followed Frank Klausz's adviceand painted a red strip on the crosscut area of the saw tableas a warning of the potential danger.Tools-To-Go-We have been contacted by several readers whosay they have ordered and paid for tools from Tools-To-Go Inc.(15935 N.W 57th Ave., Hialeah, Fla. 33014) and have never receivedtheir merchandise. We have been unable to contact dlecompany ourselves and unfortunately have not yet been able toidentify any avenue for readers who wish to file a claim. We willpublish that information as soon as it is available.Antique tool association-The Crescent Universal Associationhas changed its name and broadened its scope to include ma. chines other than its classic namesake. TIle Universal Wood-Workeris a do-everything combination madline, which was producedfrom the late 1890s to the early 1940s. TIle machine tipped thescales at 1,700 to 5,200 Ibs., depending on the model, and includeda bandsaw, jointer, shaper, tablesaw and horizontal borer.The two-year-old organization is now called the AntiqueWoodworking Power Tool Association. According to presidentWalter S. Vinoski, the group provides members with advice onthe acquiSition, restoration, preservation and operation of classicwoodworking machinely. The group also publishes a bimonthlyjournal. For more information, write the organization at Box1027, Connellsville, Penn. 15425. DDick Burrows is managing editor at FWW16 Fine Woodworking
26 SHOWS IN 1989!<strong>Free</strong> Workshops * 100 Exhibits * Prize/DrawingEverything you for setting andjointer and planer knives and rollersTraditional knife changing methods take too long and can bedangerous. One or more knives can be reset too high or too low,out of parallel, or sqirm out of position when tightened. Eliminatethese miseries with the Magna-Set system! The patentedmagnetic design grips each knife in perfect alignment. Great for+ Add 2.50 for shipping & handeling. C.O.D.charges if any. Allow one week for deliveryshifting knicked blades in seconds!Planer Jig pair 159.95a:v 800-331-1748 Jointer Jig 49.95Rotocator 159.95Phone your order TOLL FREE and use your VISAor MA STERCARD or simply mail payment to:UNIOUESTCORP 585W. 3900 SO. #6 MURRAY,UTAH 84123 801-265-1400WOODWORKER II best on TABLE SAW WOODWORKER I Best on RADIAL SAW• With this ONE ALL PURPOSE blade 40 Teeth and I/S kerf.SMOOTH RIP & CROSSCUT 1" - 2" ROCKHAROS andSOFTWOODS with smooth,as,sanded surface.PLY-VENEERS oak/birch crosscut with NO BOnOMSPLINTER.MostlyDOUBLE I/S HARDER kerf 15' ATB and 20' face hook (easyfeed).and 40% STRONGER CARBIDE.Endscutting 1/16" oversize to allow for RESURFACE.blade instead of 3, 24T rip, 50T• blade changing (does rip, combo and crosscut).Ends scratchy saw cuts (for the rest of your life).Ends second step finishing (jointing and sanding).EndsBuy and sharpen ONE• Strongly recommend our .001 flat large stlflener 30T il ripping mostly 2" -3" hardwoods.Side wobble held .001 - others .004/.010 is commonlRAISE for THICK woods, LOWER for THIN woods andperfect cut everything!12"x 30T x I" 162•Combination, 80T Crosscut.dampener against outside 01 blade lor smoothest. Quietest,cuts by this and any other blade.UseList Sale List Sale12"x40Txl" SlS3 S109 S"x40T JI32'" 5136 S8297 30T 3132" 115 6910'"x40T 156 94 71/4"' x30T JI32'" 112 4930T 135 Sl T' x30T 3/32" 112 49ALSO help your SEARS blade.THIN SAW, DML, LEITZ, FREUD, PIRANHA, JAPANESEelc.9'" xji S 6":.. b Ihl; 50OooFREE dampenerFOR BETTER CUTSIUse our large 1/8"' DAMPENERSTIFFENERS. against one side6'" , S25 Parallel and flat to .0015'" - 24 Stops vibration. flutter,cuHing noise and bladering.Full cash refund.$10.00O(4'" - 21 Tlyable and RETURNABLE.all with any 2nd blade.518" holes bOle to 11/," $7.50 extra. Othersavailable. Add $2.00 Shipping.•(tablesaw too) This ALL PURPOSE blade gives scratch freePOLISHED cuts on all materials RIP or CROSSCUT up to 2'".All 60T and THIN 3/32" kerf 20' ATB and 5' face hook.DOUBLE HARDER and 40% STRONGER carbide.•THIN KERF:Saves lf3 wood loss on each cut, radial or table.Feeds easy when used for moderate rip and crosscut ontable saw.Reduces "JUMP IN" greatly lor better "PULL-CONTROL".Practically elinlinates bottom splinter on RADIALCROSSCUT . .Totally stops ALL bottom and top splinter on ply veneersin push-cut mode on RADIAL.• Our STIFFENER STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AGAINSToutside of blade only for best cuts.Made and serviced in USA for your benefit.12'" 60Tx l'"or 5/8"10'" x 60T x 5/8'"9'" x 60T x SIS"S" x 60T x 518"150New SII'" x40Tx 518"RYOBf RA200 TS200HITACHI PSM8l .. ercut DADO KING MUlTITOOTH dad. set culs ALL II''"SEE THE WIDEST VARIETY OF WOODWORKINGPRODUCTS ALL UNDER ONE ROOFMachinery . Power & Hand Tools · SuppliesCentral Florida Jan. 13-14-15 Curtis Hixon Conv. Ctr./TampaKansas City Jan. 27-28-29 Kansas City Convention CenterIndianapolis Feb. 3-4-5 Indiana Convention CenterColorado Feb. 10-1 1-12 National Western Complex, DenverNorth Texas Feb. 17-18-19 Dallas Convention CenterGreater Milwaukee Mar. 3-4-5 MECCA Convention CenterMetro-Richmond Mar. 1 0-1 1-12 Richmond CentreArizona Mar. 17-18-19 Phoenix Civic PlazaNo. California Mar. 31-Apr. 2 Santa Clara Convention CenterSo. California Apr. 7-8-9 Los Angeles Convention CenterTennessee Apr. 14-15-16 Nashville Convention CenterNew England Apr. 21-22-23 Hartford Civic CenterChicagoland Apr. 28-29-30 Odeum, Villa Park/ChicagoGreater Cleveland May 5-6-7 Cleveland Convention Center1·800-826-8257 or 213-4n-8521Seminars by Ian Kirby - Roger Cliffe - Bob RosendahlRude Osolnik - Nick Cook - and other Master CraftsmanCall for free brochure, 8:30-5 Pacific TimeSave $1 off reg. $6 admission with this adListSale519S 511997162156 9490136 S2MAKITA 5008 NBAPORTER CABLE 368-1-13/16"'u a Ii'Ls ao N8 s sUTrR9gti I :nfillers and 24T outside saws. NOTHING LIKE IT IN THE USA!!••• ••S'" x 24T x 4T x ST lillers 501 13116"' 5299S'" 24T x 4T10" x 24T x 4T x ST fillers3/4"' sel 24913/16'" sel 362SIS" sel 5209112"' set 179FOR Mep MELAMINE & LOW PRESSURE LAMINATESS'" Neg-shear 24T x 2T or 4T fillers 525910'" Neg-shear 24T x 2T al4T lillers 314SIS" holes - boring exira - SHIPPING 55.50WE RECOMMEND OUR FACTORY SHARPENING 2-3 DAYS ON THESE AND ALL MAKES OF CARBIDE TIP SAWS SHIP IN UPS(500 grit microscoped) 10 X40T$14 25. 60T$16.83 Add leluln UPS $3 or 2nd Day All $5NOW ORDER [he one blade that Will outlast you! (10-20 sharpenlngs possible)SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR FULL CASH REFUND.40 Dealer Inquiries Welcome.years of fine American saw making & sharpeningFORREST250 DelawannaMANUFACTURINGAveCOMPANY. INC... Clifton, NJ 07014For TABLE and RADIAL SAW(very good on chop saw loa!) STOP SPLINTERINGIhose SPLINTERY OAKS, HARDWOOD VENEERS andthin 2 SIDE LAM INATES ON PARTICLE BOARD.FOR FASTER FEED RATES AND MORE ABSOLUTESPLINTER CONTROL.DURALINE HI-ATEditorial Nov'/Dec. 1988No. 73 pg. 65 S.N.Note: Fine Woodworkingrecommends !1!IJ!!.alternating top bevel (ATB)1l1i!1 kerfs and!MM bladestit/eners for smoothestcuts on RA DIAL SAWS ,etc. FREE dampener'I '2nd', . .' .'Jim Forrest, President and deSigner,mlcroscoping cutting edge.AII 5/e" hole. Boring up to 11/4" $7.50 extra- Larger holes - time basis .Shipping $3.50.HI-AT Price ListS" SOT 5202 14'" x SOT 52329'" x SOT 207 lOOT 26610'"x SOT 207 16'" x SOT 26212'"x SOT 212 lOOTlOOT 253All CARBIDE is THE HARDEST OF THE C-4 gladesand 40% STRONGER. NOT WEAKER!'For 50% to 300% longer life!orS'O,OO 011 wilh anybfade.. CHOPMASTER SERIES FOR MITER SAWS fOI294flghl. smooth. splintel-ftee mltel-Ialnts. NEWHitachi Sl/2'" DeWalt SII2" S1/2'" x60T x 518"" 5179 S l-S9Use small stiffener where possible.w";,!... & Money We Orders. honor Amex, Personal Visa Checks MasterCard. and COD's IIiIiIITo order BY MAIL clip ad. Circle chOices and!' ., . . AVAILABLE SIZES.list SaleDelta 9" x SOT 5/S'" 204 99Ryabi-Makila 10'" SOT x 5/S" 207 1 09Ryobl-Maklta 14" x lOOT x I'" 266 160Hitachi IS'" x l OOT x I" 277 1641-800-526-7852 PHONE TOLL FREE!(In NJ: 201-473-5236)enclose payment Specify Dept FW when ordering ___January/February 1989 17
- Page 3 and 4: FineW> rktng'_' ______ ___ January/
- Page 6 and 7: Letters (contillued)never hurt hims
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- Page 14 and 15: Q & A (colltillued)of a bad situati
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- Page 26 and 27: THE BARTLEYBUNDLES!AlJ.500 ·24"Ban
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- Page 30 and 31: --ANTIQUE & USED TOOLSQuality, olde
- Page 32 and 33: PhoneStater--- - -[][]Ur:iTheWoodwo
- Page 34 and 35: """""',' Universal Precision Measu
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- Page 38 and 39: Once the backrest plaques are joine
- Page 41 and 42: Fig. 4:.1:iim.lf1lmllli.iiiiie?tII
- Page 43 and 44: Secret compartments were so common
- Page 45 and 46: -----.JFig. 4: Hanging tray below t
- Page 47 and 48: Tbree examples of the author's slid
- Page 49 and 50: worked but will maintain a crisp, s
- Page 53 and 54: SCROLL-SA W TESTCompany and model L
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- Page 57 and 58: use a dust collector, and if possib
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- Page 63 and 64: The cabinet scraper used by the aut
- Page 65 and 66: Fig. 2: Post:Modern Table Top, 52 i
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Fig. 3: LFI TableNut is fastened to
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Fig. 3: Curved miterPattern doesn't
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Selections from the author's sketch
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thor anticipate problems and make f
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Fig. 2: Air flowMoist air exits thr
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lating fan. The idea here is to ins
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Long prized by woodworkers for its
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A Chinese woodworker assembles an e
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Chinese shaping toolsThroughout Chi
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Using a Holtzapffel ornamental lath
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NOW! BUY BRIDGEWOOD IN CANADA . ..
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CARBIDE TIPPED ROUTER BITSPRCAL PRO
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T\UNTONPUBliCATIONS... by fellow en
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PmeWqqQWorkingIndex to issues 66 th
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MOISTURE METERFAMOUS "MINI-LiGNO"MA
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Dependable extra hands for all type
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MIRRORA· THE HAND MIRRORCOMPLEMENT
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£'Delrl.lnc'e To Manufacture Quali
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